SHIFT Book

In March 2009, I attended the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) convention in San Diego, California. This event featured a huge trade show as well as hundreds of breakout educational seminars. Every morning started off with an energizing and inspirational keynote speaker. I...

Have you ever taken a college readiness assessment exam? In 1997, when I was a junior in high school, I took the American College Test (ACT). I don’t actually remember physically taking the test. I do remember, however, receiving my composite score of 19 out...

Do you fail? Are you a failure?
Congratulations if you’re reading this article, as it likely means that you fail! You fail because on occasion, it’s an inevitable outcome of striving to learn and grow.
I Fail Every Day
On a routine Friday afternoon, I had my usual...

A couple of weeks ago on a routine Wednesday evening, I headed to my daughter's school to pick her up from hip hop class. I arrived a little bit early and decided to join the ever popular "bury your head in your phone" party. A...

Recently, Josh, my friend and colleague, stopped into my office to say hello. A few minutes into our conversation, he said, "I heard Billy Bob took another position here. Is that true?" I replied, "It is! I'm so happy for Billy." Josh asked, "Is that...

During my career, I’ve tried a number of different jobs. Unfortunately, I was frustrated working in a factory, selling beer, coaching basketball, and selling nutrition products. As time went by, it became harder and harder to try new things. Thankfully, I kept experimenting and now...

After I graduated from high school, I had no clue what degree to study for or what I wanted to do for a living. Does this resonate with you? All I wanted to do was play basketball. So, I stayed in my hometown for the...

In May of 1998, I received a really awesome high school graduation gift from my grandpa, Clarence “Butch” Gates. He presented to me a one-week Canadian fly-in fishing trip, on a private lake in Armstrong, Ontario. We had to push our vacation off for a...

Last week, we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday with a surprise party. Over 60 guests attended, and there were many who I hadn't seen since I was in high school about 20 years ago. Outside of "How’s your family? and "Where do you work?" I...

We all know how important exercise is, so why don't we commit to it daily?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, only half of Americans meet the physical activity guidelines for cardio or aerobic activity. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub...